[Watch] Mitchell Starc Produces Stunning Return Catch To Dismiss Kyle Mayers

Australia kickstarted preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022, starting from October 16, began in grand style. They defeated West Indies by 31 runs in the second T20I match played at Gabba, Brisbane on Friday, October 7.

It was an ideal start for the hosts as veteran pace bowler Mitchell Starc produced a stunning return catch to dismiss explosive Kyle Mayers. The incident took place in the first over itself as Mayers hit a powerful shot straight towards the bowler.

Starc, who is known for his reflexes, managed to bend in time to grab a stunning catch, leaving everyone shocked.

Australia kept on picking wickets at regular intervals and never allowed the West Indies batters to score runs easily. Mitchell Starc finished with career best T20I figures of 4 for 20 in his four overs and helped Australia register impressive 31 runs win.

The Australian bowlers especially Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Cameron Green, troubled the West Indies batters with bounce. Johnson Charles was the top scorer for West Indies with 29 off 30 balls while Akeal Hossain looked impressive with 25 off 19 balls.

Australia registered a thrilling three-wicket win in the opening encounter played at Metricon Stadium, Queensland.

David Warner’s explosive knock guide Australia to a competitive total

After a disappointing performance with the bat in the first T20I match, David Warner returned to form with explosive knock of 75 runs. After being invited into bat by West Indies, Australia lost Cameron Green cheaply.

Warner took the attack to the visitors’ bowling line up not allowing them to settle. At the end of the first six overs, Australia were at 45 for 1. The southpaw batted with intent and completed fifty off 30 balls.

The other Australian batters including Steve Smith and Aaron Finch struggled. The pocket dynamite continued to dominate the West Indies bowling before Odean Smith took a good return catch. Tim David showed his class with a quickfire cameo scoring 42 off 20 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes.

Warner smashed 10 fours and 3 sixes in his 41-ball 75 runs. Thanks to his brilliance, Australia posted 178 for 7 in 20 overs. For his match-winning knock, Warner was named the man of the match and man of the series for 89 runs in 2 matches.

Written by Pavan Suresh

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